Laurel, MD vs Placentia, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Placentia
62.2
#1868 nationally
Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 174). Placentia leads in median household income ($106,155 vs $92,035). Placentia leads in average commute (30.1 min vs 33.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Placentia, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 62.2 (#1868) |
| Population | 29,400 | 52,192 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $1,113,465 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $106,155 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 30.1 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 50 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 174 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+2.6 |
D
66.4 Score
Laurel, MD
Small Maryland city with local appeal
Median Home
$478,130
Population
29,400
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Northeast
View Laurel, MD →
D-
62.2 Score
Placentia, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,113,465
Population
52,192
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Placentia, CA →